2024-04-08 05:27:29
The world is witnessing an astronomical phenomenon represented by a total solar eclipse on Monday, which North American residents will be able to view, along a path that starts from Mexico to the United States and then Canada.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, covering the entire surface of the Sun, along a small path from the surface of the planet Earth. This is called the “Eclipse Path”.
During the day, the sky turns into darkness similar to the dusk of sunset or the mist of dawn, which confuses nocturnal animals and makes them wake up thinking that night has arrived.
In places along the path of the total eclipse, people will be able to see the sun’s corona, the star’s outer atmosphere, which is usually invisible due to the sun’s brightness.
People observing this astronomical phenomenon from outside the path of the total eclipse will see a partial eclipse in which the moon obscures most of the face of the sun, but not all of it.
The newspaper publishedWashington Post“The American newspaper provided a set of tips for safe observation of this rare astronomical phenomenon for many people, especially since the next total solar eclipse that can be viewed from the United States will not occur before the year 2044.
Don’t forget your eclipse glasses
A person who wants to observe a solar eclipse needs to wear special glasses to protect the eyes from harmful rays.
These eclipse glasses must be worn at all times, except for the period when the moon completely obscures the disk of the sun.
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On April 8, the moon will completely block the sun for millions of people in North America, along a path that starts from Mexico to the United States and then Canada, in a total solar eclipse.
But this period will only last 4 minutes and 27 seconds in the United States, so the person needs to put the glasses back on before the sun’s rays appear once more.
However, everyone outside the path of totality will need to wear eclipse glasses at all times.
Seeing the eclipse through a camera
Some people who do not have eclipse glasses try to view this phenomenon through the camera lens or behind binoculars or a telescope, without wearing a solar filter.
But this practice is also unsafe for the eyes, as NASA warns that doing so “will immediately cause severe eye injury.”
Some people also try to look at the eclipse for a very brief period that may not exceed a second or two, but this behavior is also dangerous for the eyes and experts do not recommend practicing it at all.
Lisa Ostrin, an optometrist at the University of Houston, said eclipse glasses are designed to block 99.99 percent of light, regarding a thousand times more than regular sunglasses.
She added: “Any eye care professional would say this is not safe for even a second. Once light is focused on the retina, it can start damaging cells.”
No to “selfie”
Some try to photograph the eclipse process with a camera or smartphone to document the moment, which is a safe practice if the person is wearing eclipse glasses.
To get a perfect picture, it is recommended to install the phone or camera on a tripod to reduce image blur, and not to look at the sun frequently.
Do not try to take a selfie with the partially obscured sun without wearing glasses. Because UV rays can reflect off your screen and eventually damage your eyes.
Be careful not to stop on the way
The Washington Post advised people who want to see this phenomenon in the path of the total eclipse, while driving, not to park in dangerous places, even if there are other cars parked on the side of the road.
A person should also not try to be distracted by seeing this astronomical phenomenon while driving a car, as has been emphasized by the American Automobile Association.
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